Giovedì al Castello

A summer evening in 1450 in Gradara

Giovedì al Castello is the summer event that every week brings the village of Gradara, in the heart of the province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche), back to the atmosphere of the fifteenth century. The narrative premise is precise: a summer evening in 1450, when at sunset the village gates were closed, peasants returned from the fields to take refuge within the walls, and the community's life gathered in the shadow of the Malatesta fortress.

The village that becomes medieval again

From late afternoon until evening, the village alleys transform into a widespread stage. A cannon shot announces the closing of the gate and the arrival of ladies and knights: from that moment on, the historic center is crossed by an itinerant historical procession, accompanied by drummers and fire-eaters, courtly dances, duels, animations, and choirs. The evenings are curated by local historical groups, making this reenactment an authentic event rooted in the territory.

The historical groups of Gradara

The heart of the initiative are the associations that have been preserving the medieval memory of the village for years:

• Gruppo Danze Antiche (Ancient Dance Group) — the courtly dances of the Malatesta court;
• Associazione Corpo di Guardia di Gradara (Gradara Guard Corps Association) — armed men, duels, and archers;
• Corte Malatestiana (Malatesta Court) with drummers and fire-eaters.

The Rocca open in the evening

During the evenings of Giovedì al Castello, the Rocca di Gradara remains open in the evening: a rare opportunity to visit the manor, linked to the famous legend of Paolo and Francesca told by Dante, when the sun has already set. Alongside traditional guided tours, the village offers animated tours and itineraries also dedicated to children.

A free and traditional event

The animations and the historical procession in the village are free admission; the entrance to the Rocca remains paid, as usual. Founded in 2013, Giovedì al Castello is now one of the fixed events of the Marche summer and one of the most beloved experiences for those visiting the Municipality of Gradara and the Riviera between Marche and Romagna on summer evenings.